Local Government-Why does it matter?

Local Government-Why does it matter?

by Mr. Boswell

What is a county?

• A county is a small area of a state that has its own government and responsibilities.

• In Georgia, there are 159 counties.

• Georgia has the second most counties of any state.

Federal, State and Local?

• Federalism DOES NOT extend to counties.

• States have full power to override county decisions.

• "There is no 10th Amendment for counties."

Multiple Choice

Can a county refuse to follow a state law?

• Yes

• No

Cities and municipalities

• A city or municipality is just an area with a large number of people.

• Cities have their own government.

• You can also live in an unincorporated area, which is not a "real" city.

• These places may have names but are not real towns.

Municipalities of Chatham County, Georgia

Open Ended

Name as many cities in Chatham County as you can!

Open Ended

Can you think of any towns in Chatham County that are not official? (Not one of the eight?)

What does the Chatham Co. government look like?

• Chatham County has a board of commissioners (8 members plus chairman)

• Each commissioner is elected and represents part of the county called a district.

Multiple Choice

Chatham County is governed by what group?

• Board of Education

• City Group

• House of Representatives

• Board of Commissioners

What does government in Savannah look like?

• Savannah has a mayor and a city council that makes decisions.

• They hire a city manager that implements policies.

Multiple Choice

The head of the Savannah City Council is known as?

• Governor

• Secretary of State

• Mayor

• President

The School Board

• Policies regarding schools are handled by the SCCPSS School Board.

• Like other councils, each person represents part of the area with the school board president elected by all districts.

Responsibilities of Local Government

• Create and fund annual budget through taxes.

• Build and maintain county roads

• run law enforcement, fire and education departments

• Create city ordinances

Responsibilities of Local Gov. (cont)

• Fund medical facilities

• Trash removal/recycling

• Support and fund housing services

• Other public works (sewers, snow removal, street signage)

Open Ended

Think about Savannah. What is one thing from the previous list that our city is doing a good job on. What is one thing that needs improvement?